David McCullough, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and longtime resident of West Tisbury, has long been fascinated with mechanical flight. His newest book, to be released Tuesday, tells the story of Wright Brothers, a lesson in self-reliance, perseverance, family values and hard work.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters program started on the Island in 1974 and has ranged in size over the years, pairing as many as 60 children with adult mentors. But the national organization was hit hard by the recession and seemed to fade from Vineyard consciousness.

The closure of the Norton Point breach on Chappaquiddick after eight years will likely benefit oyster farms and shorebirds in one of the Island’s most pristine natural environments, several experts said this week.

The Martha's Vineyard Land Bank recently bought 31 acres of rare land at Tom's Neck Farm, the culmination of a complicated deal involving multiple sellers, local donors and a financing model that marks a first for the land bank.

At 10:33 a.m. Thursday, the automated double-cannon beacon installed in the Gay Head Light in 1989 stopped spinning and the iconic red-and-white signal went out. A temporary beacon has been installed nearby while the lighthouse is moved.